Film Themes: Underground Movements & Subculture
Underground movements and subculture can be found everywhere – sometimes we are part of them, and sometimes we get to see glimpses of something we never expected. This year’s films have it all, from now well-known graffiti expressions to flying paper balloons, hardcore vegans and raggarbilar.
We have gathered some characteristics and definitions of different underground movements and subcultures. We paired them with films in our programme that fit the description and provide insight into special communities. Below you also find a piece about the documentary Balomania.
Rebellion & Resistance
A resistance element against mainstream culture, societal norms or political structures.
The Raid (Attentat), Johannes Persson / 2024 / 15 min / Sweden, Norway
Part of the Young Nordic Short Film Programme
Alternative Lifestyle
Embracing behaviours that differ from societal expectations.
My Gig in Sweden (My Gig in Sweden), Simon Vahlne, 15 min, Sweden, 2023
Part of the Best Nordic Short Film Programme Turn a Blind Eye
Screenings: Friday 20/9, 18.30, Panora 3 & Saturday 21/9, 10.30, Spegeln C
Beyond the Norm
Unique forms of expression reflect a distinct identity.
Punkdreams (Punkdrömmar), Maja Moberg & Melina Ekh, 2024, 21 min, Sweden
Part of The Next Generation of Programmers
Covert & Under the Radar
Thriving in secrecy, members form tight-knit communities that are difficult for outsiders to penetrate.
Balomania (Balomania), Sissel Morell Dargis, 94 min, Denmark/Spain, 2024
Competes in the category Best Nordic Documentary
Screening: Friday 20/9, 21.00, Panora 1
Innovation & Creativity
A breeding ground for new ideas that can later influence mainstream culture.
The Tunnel (Göngin), Björgvin Sigurðarson & Hallur Örn Árnason, 76 min, Iceland, 2024
Competes in the category Best Nordic Documentary
Screening: Friday 20/9, 16.00, Panora 2
Community & Belonging
Sharing a strong sense of togetherness and icnlusion, finding family in strangers.
Ping Pong Family (Ping Pong Family), Åsmund Hasli, 60 min, Norway, 2023
Competes in the category New Nordic Voice
Screening: Sunday 22/9, 13.00, Panora 2
“FREE OUR ART”
Excited but chaotic screams sound over a grassy field near São Paulo, Brazil. Over a hundred highly focused men shout “Release it!” as they let go of the ropes. Moments later, a gigantic hot air balloon ascends into the sky, lifting a massive, colourful banner. The air is filled with cheering, laughter and relief, but soon after, the celebration is interrupted by police sirens. The men who have just released their creative masterpiece after years of work are now on the run.
The favelas of São Paulo are home to the “baloeiros”, who see balloon art as their cultural heritage, their breathing space and their community. They design beautiful and colourful silk paper creations, attach fireworks or nets of candles to form precise drawings and then release the gigantic balloons into the sky. Balloon art is one of Brazil’s hidden cultural treasures but also one of its most controversial issues, as shown in the documentary Balomania by director Sissel Morell Dargis.
In 1998, Brazil was the first country to ban hot air balloons. The balloon crews are ranked just below the drug cartels in Brazilian law. Baloeiros are often arrested and can face up to several years of prison for creating and releasing balloons. The law considers this folk art a danger to air traffic, and one that can also cause fires and other damage to the environment.
However, instead of dying out, balloon culture went underground. As part of Brazil’s cultural heritage since colonial times, balloons became particularly popular in the favelas (shanty towns). Being a baloeiro is an identity proudly passed down from generation to generation. The baloeiros are a very secretive and closed community, constantly on the lookout for the police and afraid of betrayal from within.
Today, thousands of balloon gangs represent an important alternative to the “real” gang violence on the streets of Brazil that claims many lives each year. “If we didn’t keep our minds focused on balloons, we’d be on the streets exploding ATMs”, says one baloeiro and demands: “Free our art!”
In Balomania, Sissel Morell Dargis shares her initiation into the balloon brotherhood. The Danish film director has been part of the “balloon mafia”, as the media has labelled them, for almost a decade. She learned what it meant to be a baloeiro, why it could not be mentioned to anyone outside this secret society and how the balloons symbolise collective dreaming and a safe space.
Balomania competes in the Best Nordic Documentary category and screens on Friday 20/9 21.00 at Panora 1.
If you’re unsure about what to watch at this year’s festival, we’ve categorised the films into themes to guide your cinematic journey. Dive into stories that resonate with your interests and discover new perspectives through our diverse film categories. We hope you find something that captivates and inspires you!
Event tip: Join us for a memorable night of x-rated femme-punk with SMiSK on Friday 20/9 23.00 at Brogatan!
